updated 09:10 pm EDT, Wed August 20, 2008

Apple: 3G problems reduced

Apple say its latest iPhone update partially fixes connection problems with high-speed 3G networks that have sparked complaints from users around the world. Apple spokeswoman Jennifer Bowcock said Tuesday the v2.0.2 update "improves communication with 3G networks," according to USA Today. Such a statement is uncommon from Apple, which rarely comments on software updates and has been largely mum on recent problems with the iPhone 3G.

A large number of complaints have surfaced in recent weeks on the internet from users who claim their new iPhones cannot connect, or stay connected to 3G networks. Some report dropped calls as their devices switch from 3G to AT&T's much-slower Edge Network. Apple's advertising tagline for the new iPhone is "Twice the speed at half the price," prompting one angry user to file a lawsuit against the company, and she is seeking class action status.

Steve Jobs may have acknowledged problems with iPhone Apps freezing in an e-mail bearing his name that was sent to an IPhone User. In the e-mail, Jobs reportedly said the problems appear to affect about 2 percent of all iPhones shipped, and that work was underway on a software patch that will be released in September. On Monday, Apple released iPhone update v2.0.2, telling users only that it contained "bug fixes."

Mobile Technology analyst Michael Gartenberg says the issue may be overblown. He tells USA Today that he's seen the same problems with phones from other manufacturers. "Cellphone coverage is tricky," he said.

Whether the fault lies with Apple (Faulty Phone) or AT&T (Faulty network), THERE IS a big problem with the iPhone & reception! I am now on my 3rd iPhone 3G in Los Angeles & the reception has been the same ~ HORRIBLE on all 3 phones. It is not possible that I have gotten 3 defective phones!Apple or AT&T or Both need to get there sh*t together & make this thing work!

Oh wait. 2 more years before the third largest city in the state is even considered!

I think its a case of some expecting too much mixed with legit cases. But those with no real problem join the bandwagon of real issues making it seem larger than it issue really is. For those with a real problem, I hope Apple or AT&T stays on top of it.

If you are having an issue with several phone, then try a new sim card if you have not. The new phones do come with one but if they are just swapping it over it could be the problem. A defective sim card can create lots of weird network issues. I worked at Cingular and saw this at a regular rate.

One of my favorite things about my new iPhone was that it didn't make my audio monitors buzz incessantly like the original iPhone did. After I upgraded to the 2.0.2 firmware, the buzz returned. Probably due to some settings they tweaked to get the 3G chipset to behave better for those having connectivity issues.

Even if Apple did send an email saying that some bugs were affecting 2%, the "some bugs" was not defined. Look at the original copy. It looks like a clever attempt to divert attention from "other bugs" that affect a lot more owners.

Absolutely Apple is commenting on this patch. The iPhone, in my opinion, is the biggest thing for Apple since the Macintosh. The 1998 iMac was Apple's life raft. The iPod, I think history will see, was the catalyst that renewed interest in Apple beyond Apple centric people, which in turn created the critical mass and interest that allowed Apple to develop and successfully market the iPhone. Mac OS X is huge, and without it looker-ons would have turned away again, but instead people found a well thought out, stable OS.

Apple realizes what the iPhone is, and if there is a flaw that's gonna slow down that momentum, you bet your arse Apple is gonna get it fixed.

Everyone I know here in VT wants one. Come on ATT get buy the Unicel assets and quit s******* around!

Nope, the problem isn't the tying to an operator. It's Apple insistence that they be in charge of all technical support issues.

If I had a problem with a Samsung phone or motorola phone, I'd go to the provider, even if it is a hardware problem. Verizon would replace your phone at no charge the first year, regardless of the issue. I don't know ATT's rule, but its probably the same thing.

But one thing Apple wanted was that they'd be in charge of the hardware side (and that was one of the many disagreements between them and Verizon, btw). So if there's a problem with your phone, you just don't walk into your verizon store, have it replaced, and go on, you have to call apple, or make an appointment at the genius bar, or whatever.

This is what Apple insisted on. Don't blame ATT on this, it would be this way even if it were completely open.